Just when I thought I couldn’t be prouder, it still happens.  This woman never ceases to amaze me.  I am posting my first blog of 2016 about someone I sure am honored to know: my friend, my sister, Alice Eduardo (or as we fondly call her, Ate).  I wanted to welcome the year with a story so inspirational, it lasts throughout.

Everyone knows Alice as the lady construction mogul that she is; she’s known for bagging the biggest pile works and reclamation projects in the country.  You see, her specialty is in digging and laying foundations before buildings are erected.  I will not elaborate what those projects are, but why I think she is “the chosen one” to take on these giant deals and why they continue to flow easily into her hands.

I have known their family for twelve years or so.  Her sister Small was my friend first.  Alice was then starting a young family of her own and juggling many businesses, so I would see Small more often.  I am godmother to two of Small’s children and we have more or less seen each other’s children grow up.  As our kids got older and Alice’s businesses were running on their own, our time had come to bond more often.

Let me tell you, this hardworking lady has always had flourishing contracts in whatever she did.  Yup, that’s right! That so called Midas touch is hers.  She had a booming garment export business and was always involved in construction, which ended up in bigger after bigger contracts.  I need to stop myself from excitedly enumerating these projects because they have been featured in many a publication, but there is a different side to her story that I want to share.

Alice and the VVIP’s in her life: Her children Jaqueline, Jessica and Jameson. Parents Daddy Andres and Mommy Elisa. Siblings Small, Melba & Joel. Her brothers-in-law Philip and Bayan. Nieces and nephews PJ, Michael, Tim & Allison, Stephen & Sophia.

All About Alice

Hers is indeed a charmed life, but one that is so deep because of how spiritually she tackles everyday challenges and turns them into opportunities.  Bad news does not frazzle her, and from her I have learned that in all difficult situations only good things are in store.

My family and I, along with some friends, spent the Christmas holidays with Alice and her clan.  I was also in the U.S. to visit my family who are based there, and it all worked out that I got to do so much more.  I was fortunate to experience Alice’s other life in Los Angeles and I must say, it is the life I hope for her to retire in.  I absolutely adore her life in America, it is a dream.  She is a builder by heart and renovating, buying and selling properties (or flipping as it is called in the States) is her joy.  She also gets to spend more time with her children and her parents which is her ultimate pleasure.

Jaqueline, Jameson and Jessica spending precious time with their mom.

I can only attribute all her blessings  to her kindness and humility.  She hasn’t changed a bit since the day I met her.  She is one of the most secure people I know.  My favourite moments with her are our late night conversations when she is relaxed after her full day.  We vent, we laugh, we ponder, and I am always blessed at the end of the conversation because there is always something to learn from her.  She is a friend who elevates you, pushes you and motivates you!  To know her and be with her is a constant supply of positive energy and inspiration.   Her blessed life is one she refuses to take for granted and never fails to share generously.  She is the kindest daughter I have ever known.  Her parents’ comfort comes first and the mere thought of their discomfort is considered a crime to her.  Being dutiful to them is second nature.  What can I say?  Alice just gets it.

a beautiful estate we toured and possibly alice’s next business opportunity

one of alice’s favourite past times is letting her hair down and driving around the city

Here is Alice doting on everyone by the feasts she serves.  The vibe in her home is profoundly happy and light.  And everyone’s stomach is always full.

Our New Years Eve ham

Crabs, ate painstakingly chose and cooked thanh long style for everyone’s enjoyment. Cooking is a simple pleasure she doesn’t get to do in Manila.

Small, Marj and Alice’s very blessed staff preparing our new year’s feast.

Family style set-up for the kids and kids at heart

Alice’s staff showing their gratitude and how loved she is by them

The lobby of her lovely home

It was a very memorable holiday for all of us. It’s also the perfect  inspiration I want to impart in my first article of the year as I celebrate Alice.  I can only wish you the biggest blessings in this lifetime, my dear friend.  With all our love.